Congress Moves No-confidence Motion Against Chairman of Karnataka's Legislative Council

Bengaluru: Ruling Congress on Tuesday moved a no-confidence motion against D H Shankaramurthy, Chairman of Karnataka Legislative Council.

The motion for "removal" of Shankarmurthy, a BJP veteran was moved by Congress H M Revanna.

The council will vote on the no-confidence motion in the next couple of days.

Shankaramurthy who was in the Chair when the motion was moved quoting experts said a resolution regarding the removal should be "specific with respect to charges".

He said "the motion moved against me makes no specific charges against me and with no charges, I have not been able to respond. So the motion is not qualified or methodical.

"It is also against the principles of natural justice. Yet, I am allowing the no-confidence motion to be tabled in the spirit of democracy and with due respect to the House and its authority," he said.

All 33 members of the Congress stood in support of the motion, when the Chair asked them to prove their strength. Support from at lest 10 member is required for the motion to be allowed.

Later while interacting with the press, Shankaramurthy said never in the history of the Council has a no-confidence motion been moved against the Chairman, and he was hurt by the move.

Congress will need support of JDS to succeed in the removal of Shankaramurthy, as no party has absolute majority in the Council.

Meanwhile, KPCC President G Parameshwara today met JDS Supremo HD Deve Gowda.

In the 75 member council, Congress has 33 members, BJP 23, JDS 13, five independents and 1 chairman. At present 1 seat is vacant in the 75 member house.